Wig apparatus including open parting area and method of manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A wig apparatus is provided comprising: a mesh cap comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front region, side regions, and a rear region, the front region comprising a front edge, the side regions comprising a first side edge and a second side edge, and the rear region comprising a rear edge; a filament coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in at least one of the front region, the side regions and the rear region; and a parting area disposed within the front region of the mesh, the parting area comprising a first lower corner member, a second lower corner member, and an upper member, the first lower corner member being opposed to the second lower corner member, the upper member being adjacent to each of the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/360,049 filed on Jul. 8, 2016, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to artificial hair, and more particularly, to an artificial hair apparatus and method of manufacturing the artificial hair apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wigs are used by people to enhance their appearance and to conceal their natural hair. Wigs generally include multiple strands of hair attached to a cap to form a unit that can be secured to an user's scalp. Hair weaves and hair extensions are also used by people to either conceal or supplement their natural hair. In some cases, people use wigs when they are experiencing baldness or thinning of their natural hair. For those experiencing baldness or thinning of natural hair, use of wigs provides an alternative to use of potentially dangerous hair growth drugs or chemicals, or uncomfortable hair plugs. In other cases, people use wigs for temporary purposes when they are undergoing medical treatments that result in loss of their hair, such as chemotherapy.

Wigs are also used to provide a user with an alternative hair color in order to improve their appearance. Furthermore, wigs can be used by people to present an alternative texture to their own hair, such as changing their hair from straight to curly. Just as many people enjoy accessorizing their wardrobe, people who wear wigs enjoy changing and enhancing their appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention provides a wig apparatus. The wig apparatus comprises: a mesh cap configured to be disposed on top of a human head comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front region, side regions, and a rear region, the front region comprising a front edge, the side regions comprising a first side edge and a second side edge, and the rear region comprising a rear edge; a filament coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in at least one of the front region, the side regions and the rear region; and a parting area disposed within the front region of the mesh cap configured to expose a user's natural hair, the parting area comprising a first lower corner member, a second lower corner member, and an upper member, the first lower corner member being opposed to the second lower corner member, the upper member being adjacent to each of the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member, the parting area comprising an open space between the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member.

According to further embodiments: each of the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member are disposed along the front edge of the mesh cap; the first lower corner member is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge than the upper member, the second lower corner member is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge than the upper member, and the upper member is disposed in closer proximity to the rear region than the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member; the mesh cap does not extend across the open space; the wig apparatus includes artificial hair coupled to at least one of the mesh cap and the filament; the filament is coupled to the front edge in the parting area at each of the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member; the upper member is disposed between the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member along the length of the filament; the filament is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in at least a portion of each of the side edges and the rear edge; the filament is coupled along the entire front edge of the parting area; the filament is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in a serpentine manner; the wig apparatus includes a connecting member coupled to the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member and configured to prevent the parting area from expanding; the wig apparatus includes a plurality of comb members coupled to the inner surface of the mesh cap configured to secure the mesh cap to the user's natural hair; the comb members are coupled to the front edge of the mesh cap in the parting area; the comb members comprise at least two lower comb members and at least one upper comb member; the at least two lower comb members comprise tines and the at least one upper comb member comprise tines, and wherein the tines of the at least two lower comb members extend in opposite directions of each other and the tines of the upper comb member extends in a direction perpendicular to the tines of the lower comb members; the tines of the at least two lower comb members extend towards the side regions and the tines of the upper comb member extends towards the rear region; the wig apparatus includes a rear region comb member disposed in the rear region comprising tines, wherein the tines of the rear region comb member extend towards the front region; the wig apparatus includes a rear region comb member disposed in the rear region comprising tines, wherein the tines of the rear region comb member extend in a direction opposite to the tines of the upper comb member; and the parting area is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge than to the second side edge, or wherein the is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge than to the first side edge.

According to an embodiment, a kit for assembly of a wig is provided. The kit comprises the wig apparatus described herein and artificial hair.

According to an embodiment, a method of using the wig apparatus described herein is provided. The method comprises coupling artificial hair to at least one of the mesh cap and the filament and blending at least a portion of the artificial hair with the user's natural hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a wig apparatus with an open parting area;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate left and right side views of the wig apparatus;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear top view of the wig apparatus; and

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various views of an inner surface of the wig apparatus with the wig apparatus turned inside-out for illustrative purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The following detailed description of certain embodiments will be made in reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, explanation about related functions or constructions known in the art are omitted for the sake of clearness in understanding the concept of the invention, to avoid obscuring the invention with unnecessary detail.

Crochet cap-style wigs have become more desirable to consumers. A crochet cap wig generally includes a mesh cap configured to fit around a human head and a filament attached to the mesh cap according to a predetermined pattern. The filament may be, for example, a braid of artificial hair that traverses the mesh cap from one side to the other in multiple rows. Bundles of artificial hair are crocheted to the filament to create a natural-appearing and fashionable artificial hair wig.

Some users prefer to attach bundles of hair to their scalp using crocheting methods. For example, some users braid their hair tightly to their scalp in, for example, what is referred to as a “corn row,” and then crochet bundles of artificial hair to the corn row braid on the users' scalp. This can also be accomplished by covering the user's natural scalp with a mesh cap that has artificial braids, or some other suitable point of attachment, for crocheting the bundles of hair to the user's scalp. The crochet-style hair wigs provide the user with the ability to attach artificial hair to their scalp according to their own style and preferences.

Embodiments of the invention, as further described herein, provide advantages over conventional crochet-style wigs. The embodiments described herein include wig apparatuses, methods of manufacturing wigs, kits for assembling wigs, methods of assembling kits for wigs, and packaging for wigs and wig kits.

Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include a wig that includes an open parting area. That is, the wig does not cover the user's entire head. The parting area exposes a portion of the user's head, and therefore their natural hair, allowing the user to pull their natural hair through the parting area. The parting area may be embodied in multiple different configurations, and in combinations thereof, to be positioned where the user's natural left side, right side, and/or center hair part is located. Once the user's natural hair has been pulled through the parting area, the user is able to blend their natural hair with the artificial hair that is attached to the wig. Blending the user's natural hair with the artificial hair of the wig provides a natural and stylish appearance.

Furthermore, as described herein, implementing the parting area in a crochet-style wig provides multiple advantages to the user over conventional wigs. Conventional wigs, e.g., non-crochet-style wigs, lack customizable functionality, providing the user with a product that cannot be modified to their individual style preferences. Embodiments of the invention described herein, provide a wig that includes a parting area, allowing the user to customize the wig to their preferences while blending their natural hair with artificial hair attached to the wig. Furthermore, the parting area provides the added benefit of improved ventilation, an improvement over conventional wigs, which cover the user's entire head.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a wig apparatus 100. The wig apparatus 100 includes a mesh cap 105, a filament 110, a connecting member 115, and a parting area 120.

The mesh cap 105 includes a front region 125, side regions 130 and a rear region 135. The front region 125 includes a front edge 125 a. The side regions 130 include a first side edge 130 a and a second side edge 130 b. The rear region 135 includes a rear edge 135 a. The mesh cap 105 further includes an inner surface 140 and an outer surface 145. The mesh cap 105 is configured to be disposed on top of a human head, covering the area of the head that is typically covered by a person's hair. The mesh cap 105 is configured to fit around a circumference of a user's head and is the foundation upon which each of the other components of the wig apparatus 100 are attached. For example, the mesh cap 105 may be configured as a half-spherical shape, dome shape or other shape that corresponds to the shape of a human head. The mesh cap 105 is constructed of a flexible material, such as cotton, nylon, or other suitable fabric(s) and blends thereof.

The filament 110 is coupled to the outer surface 145 of the mesh cap 105. The filament 110 is stitched, glued, stapled or otherwise rigidly coupled to the outer surface 145 of the mesh cap 105. At least a portion of the filament 110 is coupled to the mesh cap 105 at multiple attachment positions in each of the front region 125, the side regions 130, and the rear region 135. In some embodiments, the filament 110 is constructed of artificial hair, cotton, nylon, or other suitable material(s) and blends thereof. The filament 110 may be a mono-filament or may include multiple filaments coupled together in a braided pattern or a twisted pattern. The filament 110 may be one continuous piece of material through each of the front region 125, the side regions 130, and the rear region 135 or multiple separate pieces of material. Thus, the filament 110 may include a first filament end and a second filament end coupled to the outer surface 145 or may include more than two filament ends where the filament 110 is constructed of multiple separate pieces of material.

The parting area 120 is disposed within the front region 125. The parting area 120 includes a first lower corner member 150, a second lower corner member 155, and an upper member 160. The first lower corner member 150 is opposed to the second lower corner member 155. The first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155 are disposed along the front edge 125 a. The first lower corner member 150 is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge 130 a than the upper member 160. The second lower corner member 155 is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge 130 b than the upper member 160. In certain embodiments, the upper member 160 is configured as a U-shape. The upper member 160 is disposed in closer proximity to the rear region 135 than the first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155. The upper member 160 is adjacent to, and disposed between, the first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155 along an edge of the mesh cap 105.

In certain embodiments, the parting area 120 is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge 130 a than to the second side edge 130 b. In certain embodiments, the parting area 120 is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge 130 b than to the first side edge 130 a. With the parting area 120 disposed closer to either the first side edge 130 a or the second side edge 130 b, the user is able to part their hair in a side-part style as opposed to a center-part style. In certain embodiments, the parting area 120 is disposed in equal proximity to the first side edge 130 a and the second side edge 130 b, which allows the user to part their hair in a center-part style. In certain embodiments, when the parting area 120 is disposed in equal proximity to the first side edge 130 a and the second side edge 130 b, the wig apparatus 100 is configured to be able to shift from side to side on the user's head so that the parting areas 120 can be positioned in a location on the user's head that corresponds to a side-part.

The parting area 120 is an open space of the mesh cap 105 and is configured to expose the user's natural hair so that the user's natural hair is visible. In other words, the mesh cap 105 does not extend across the open space. The parting area 120 allows the user to create a hair-part using their natural hair. The user's natural hair part is then blended with the artificial hair that has been coupled to the mesh cap 105 and/or the filament 110. Blending of the user's natural hair with the artificial hair coupled to the wig 100 provides a natural and aesthetically appealing look. The parting area 120 may be embodied in various shapes and sizes. For example, the parting area 120 may be 0.25 inches to 3 inches wide, 1 inch to 2.5 inches wide, or 1 inch wide. For example, the parting area 120 may be 1 inch to 5 inches deep, 2 inches to 4 inches deep, 3 inches to 3.75 inches wide, or 3.75 inches wide.

In an embodiment, the filament 110 is disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the mesh cap 105 in the parting area 120. The filament 110 may be coupled to the front edge 125 a in the parting area 120 at each of the first lower corner member 150, the second lower corner member 155 and the upper member 160. The filament 110 may be disposed along the entire edge of the mesh cap 105 in the parting area 120. In other words, the filament 110 may be disposed along the edge of the mesh cap 105 from the first lower corner member 150 through the upper member 160 to the second lower corner member 155, the upper member 160 being disposed between the first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155 along the length of the filament 110. While in other regions of the wig apparatus 100 the filament 110 approaches the edge of the mesh cap 105 in a serpentine manner, in the parting area 120, a length of the filament 110 runs along the edge of the mesh cap 105. In this configuration, the location of the filament 110 along the edge of the mesh cap 105 provides the user with advantages in blending their natural hair with the artificial hair attached to the filament 110. Furthermore, the user is able to attach artificial hair to the filament 110 in the parting area 120 to be customized to their natural hair and their natural hair part.

The connecting member 115 couples the first lower corner member 150 to the second lower corner member 155. The connecting member 115 is constructed of thread, elastic string, nylon string, fishing line, or other suitable material. The connecting member 115 is preferably a clear material so that the connecting member 115 is not visible when worn by the user. The connecting member 115 secures the first lower corner member 150 to the second lower corner member 155 so that the edge of the mesh cap 105 remains in place. Furthermore, the connecting member 115 is configured to prevent the parting area 120 from expanding. In an embodiment, the connecting member 115 is removable. The connecting member 115 may be removably coupled to the first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155 such that the connecting member 115 can be reattached to the first lower corner member 150 and the second lower corner member 155. The connecting member 115 also may be removed by the user by cutting with, for example, scissors.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate left and right side views of the wig apparatus 100. As illustrated, the wig apparatus 100 includes temple regions 165. The temple regions 165 protrude from the edge of the mesh cap 105 such that the edge is not a straight line that runs around the circumference of the user's head. The temple regions 165 are configured to follow the user's natural hair line to provide a natural and appealing look.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear top view of the wig apparatus 100. The filament 110 extends back and forth from each of the side regions 130 in a transverse direction across the outer surface 145 of the mesh cap 105. The filament 110 is disposed on the outer surface 145 in a serpentine manner, such that the filament 110 includes arcuate portions 170 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are disposed near the edge of the mesh cap 105. The layout of the filament 110 on the outer surface 145 is not limited to the serpentine pattern illustrated in the drawings. The filament 110 may be coupled to the outer surface 145 in any suitable pattern including a horseshoe pattern, a crown part, a diagonal part, a side bang part, a side part, a center part, and a quadrant part, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the filament 110 may be coupled to the outer surface 145 in a longitudinal direction, that is, extending in a serpentine manner back and forth from the front region 125 to the rear region 135.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various views of the inner surface 140 of the wig apparatus 100. In FIGS. 5-7, the wig apparatus 100 has been turned inside-out for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the wig apparatus 100. The wig apparatus 100 includes multiple area comb members 175 coupled to the inner surface 140 of the mesh cap 105. The comb members 175 are coupled to the front edge 125 a of the mesh cap 105 in the parting area 120. The comb members 175 may be metal wire or plastic combs. In an embodiment, the comb members 175 include clips or other devices suitable to secure the mesh cap 105 to the user's natural hair. The comb members 175 include tines that are inserted into the user's natural hair, securing the comb members, and therefore the wig apparatus 100, to the user's head. The comb members 175 prevent the mesh cap 105 from shifting on the user's head and also keep the mesh cap 105 secured tightly to the user's head. The comb members 175 include at least two lower comb members 176 and at least one upper comb member 177. The two lower comb members 176 are coupled to the inner surface 140 such that the tines extend in opposite directions, towards each of the side regions 130. The tines of the upper comb member 177 extend in a direction perpendicular to the tines of the lower comb members 176, towards the rear region 135.

The positioning of the comb members 175, including the location coupled to the mesh cap 105 and the direction of the tines, is of particular importance in the parting area 120 because the user blends their natural hair with the artificial hair in this location. That is, where the filament 110 is disposed along the edge of the mesh cap 105 in the parting area 120, the comb members 175 secure the edge of the mesh cap 105 to the user's head. The filament 110 being disposed along the edge of the mesh cap 105 in the parting area 120 provides the user with the ability to create a natural appearing blend of their natural hair and the artificial hair attached to the wig apparatus 100, while the comb members 175 keep the mesh cap 105 secured to the user's head.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear top view of the wig apparatus 100. The wig apparatus 100 includes a rear region comb member 180. The rear region comb member 180 is coupled to the inner surface 140. The rear region comb member 180 includes tines that are inserted into the user's natural hair, securing the comb members, and therefore the wig apparatus 100, to the user's head. The tines of the rear region comb member 180 extend toward the front region 125.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the wig apparatus 100. The wig apparatus 100 includes a first adjustment member 181, a second adjustment member 182, and an adjustment hook receiving member 183. The first adjustment member 181 includes a first adjustment hook 184, a first alignment loop 185, a distal end 186 and a proximal end 187. The first adjustment member 181 is constructed of a flexible elastic material. The first adjustment hook 184 is coupled to the distal end 186 of the first adjustment member 181. The first adjustment member 181 extends along the inner surface 140. The proximal end 187 is coupled to the side region 130. The first adjustment member 181 is rigidly secured to the inner surface 140 by, for example, stitching. The first alignment loop 185 is coupled to the inner surface 140 and maintains alignment of the first adjustment member 181 along the edge of the inner surface 140 such that the first adjustment member 181 does not shift away from the edge of the inner surface 140.

The second adjustment member 182 includes a second adjustment hook 188, a second alignment loop 189, a distal end 190 and a proximal end 191. The second adjustment member 182 is configured as described above with respect to the first adjustment member 181.

The adjustment hook receiving member 183 includes multiple hook receiving loops 192. The adjustment hook receiving member 183 extends along the interior surface 140 of the rear region 135. The adjustment hook receiving member 183 is constructed of a flexible inelastic material. In order to adjust the fit of the wig apparatus 100, the user inserts the first adjustment hook 184 and the second adjustment hook 188 into the appropriate hook receiving loop 192. The edge of the side regions 130 and the rear region 135 thus may be contracted or expanded to correspond to the circumference of the user's head, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

The wig apparatus 100 also includes an elastic band 195 coupled to the inner surface 140 around at least a portion of the edge of the mesh cap 105. The elastic band 195 may be coupled to the edge of the mesh cap 105 in the side regions 130 and the rear region 135. The elastic band 195 may be coupled from the first lower corner member 150 around the side region 130 through the rear region 135 to the second lower corner member 155. The elastic band 195 is configured to expand and contract to correspond to the circumference of the user's head, providing a comfortable and secure fit. In an embodiment, the elastic band 195 includes a rubberized surface that contacts the user's head when the user wears the wig apparatus 100. The rubberized surface inhibits the edge of the mesh cap 105 from shifting on the user's head. In certain embodiments, the elastic band 195 is constructed of silicone, or other material suitable for preventing the wig apparatus 100 from slipping off the user's head.

According to a further embodiment, a kit for assembly of a wig is provided. The kit includes the wig apparatus 100 described above and a portion of artificial hair that a user may couple to the mesh cap 105 and/or the filament 110.

According to a further embodiment, a method of using the wig apparatus 100 is provided. The method includes coupling artificial hair to at least one of the mesh cap 105 and the filament 110. The method further includes blending at least a portion of the artificial hair to the user's natural hair.

The embodiments described herein include wig apparatuses, methods of manufacturing wigs, kits for assembling wigs, methods of assembling kits for wigs, and packaging for wigs and wig kits that include certain advantages over conventional wigs. Each of the features of the embodiments described herein may be combined with any other embodiment whether or not expressly stated.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and equivalents thereof. 

1. A wig apparatus, comprising: a mesh cap configured to be disposed on top of a human head comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front region, side regions, and a rear region, the front region comprising a front edge, the side regions comprising a first side edge and a second side edge, and the rear region comprising a rear edge; a filament coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in at least one of the front region, the side regions and the rear region; and a parting area disposed within the front region of the mesh cap configured to expose a user's natural hair, the parting area comprising a first lower corner member, a second lower corner member, and an upper member, the first lower corner member being opposed to the second lower corner member, the upper member being adjacent to each of the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member, the parting area comprising an open space between the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member.
 2. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member are disposed along the front edge of the mesh cap.
 3. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lower corner member is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge than the upper member, the second lower corner member is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge than the upper member, and the upper member is disposed in closer proximity to the rear region than the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member.
 4. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mesh cap does not extend across the open space.
 5. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising artificial hair coupled to at least one of the mesh cap and the filament.
 6. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filament is coupled to the front edge in the parting area at each of the first lower corner member, the second lower corner member and the upper member.
 7. The wig apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper member is disposed between the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member along the length of the filament.
 8. The wig apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the filament is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in at least a portion of each of the side edges and the rear edge.
 9. The wig apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the filament is coupled along the entire front edge of the parting area.
 10. The wig apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the filament is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh cap in a serpentine manner.
 11. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member coupled to the first lower corner member and the second lower corner member and configured to prevent the parting area from expanding.
 12. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of comb members coupled to the inner surface of the mesh cap configured to secure the mesh cap to the user's natural hair.
 13. The wig apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the comb members are coupled to the front edge of the mesh cap in the parting area.
 14. The wig apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the comb members comprise at least two lower comb members and at least one upper comb member.
 15. The wig apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least two lower comb members comprise tines and the at least one upper comb member comprise tines, and wherein the tines of the at least two lower comb members extend in opposite directions of each other and the tines of the upper comb member extends in a direction perpendicular to the tines of the lower comb members.
 16. The wig apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tines of the at least two lower comb members extend towards the side regions and the tines of the upper comb member extends towards the rear region.
 17. The wig apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a rear region comb member disposed in the rear region comprising tines, wherein the tines of the rear region comb member extend towards the front region.
 18. The wig apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a rear region comb member disposed in the rear region comprising tines, wherein the tines of the rear region comb member extend in a direction opposite to the tines of the upper comb member.
 19. The wig apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parting area is disposed in closer proximity to the first side edge than to the second side edge, or wherein the is disposed in closer proximity to the second side edge than to the first side edge.
 20. A kit for assembly of a wig, comprising: the wig apparatus according to claim 1; and artificial hair. 